A senior government official paid by Patrick Phuti 

Staff reporter 

Bloemfontein – The Department of Community Safety, Roads, and Transport(CSR&T) is again in the spotlight. 

Last year, the department or rather, Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, Free State Premier terminated New Beginnings Project contract.

This, Mathae said in an interview with Lesedi FM although, the termination letter in our possession was signed by Dr Masego Tshabalala, head of Department. 

According to the invoice, the itemised billing was for:

– TLB at R4000 a day for 22 days 

– Establishment and de-establishment at R12000

Total: R100 000

We are in possession of the POP and official in question is facing trial in another corruption case. 

This is the first batch of evidence proving Patrick “The Butcher” Phuti may be telling the truth in his explosive revelation that he did not only pay for the transportation of ANCWL conference delegates but also dished out cash. 

In a letter sent by Advocate Zola Majavu, he referred to Lawrence Mathae as ex-husband.  

With revelations of payments, more people close to Mathaes alleged met Phuti at different times in what they allegedly said the were “sent”. 

Mathae in her few months as MEC for CSR&T met with contractors and even threatened to terminate their contracts if they don’t plough back to the community.

This borders on corruption” – contractors accused Transport MEC

Should Navilla Somaru, Director of Public Prosecutions decide to prosecute Mathae, she will be the first sitting Premier to be arrested for fraud and corruption. 

Somaru has been applying her mind over this since December 2024.

In January, President Ramaphosa sent a strong message to party members but that’s all he does, talk.

WATCH: Ramaphosa talks tough on corruption in his January 8 statement

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